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Living for the Weekend

“When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when allof God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics….” Dr. Martin Luther King

On election night, the forty-seven per-centers crowded into M&T Bank Stadium after weeks of campaigning, waiting in breathless anticipation for the results of their efforts in moving forward with President Barack Obama. I felt like “busting loose” it was 2008 all-over again, a day of thanksgivings and I was in a state of gratitude.

“Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, said the clock against the wall and with every beat of that minute hand that goes around, just like a clock bringing to wake the sleepy soul….” Justine Baby Washington

It seemed like “forever” before California’s numbers started to roll across the TV screens and “just likemagic”“it’s all over now”, we were “twisting & shouting.” We had been lost in time “waiting toexhale” when a loud whoosh escaped from us and everyone started breathing again as TV cameras rolled and people snapped pictures capturing the raw emotions at M&T.

“There's a party going on right here a celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times and your laughter, too, we're gonna celebrate your party with you.” Kool and the Gang

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

The people at Soundstage were exultant over the victory of history making Question 6. “The sound ofmusic” drifting onto Lombard Street as people arrived for the celebration was magical. Calm fell over the crowd when the President gave his acceptance speech,

“I don't know about tomorrow,I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said, and today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.”Ira Forest Stanphill

Kudos to committed volunteers Larry Gibson, Anthony Jones, Veris Lee, Alice Torrente, Wanda Watts, Debbie Allen and Sandra Wilson at Senator Cardin’s headquarters and others who travelled to Pennsylvania and Virginia. Congratulations on a job well. “I get lifted” when I received phone calls from friends like Barbara Bentley, Edi Green, Dee Wright and so many more who are in a season of gratitude.

“Touch me in the morning” “I must be dreaming” but after months of campaigning, making phone calls and praying, the 47% had spoken.

“I'm running low, Lord I'm running trying to make a hundred trying to make a hundred, Lord I'm running trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half just won’t do.”

The death of Levenia Lee Fitzpatrick’s mother Rosie Smalls at 98 years brought back memories of the time I saw Rosie on Mother’s Day. I had been thinking about Rosie, so I made a surprise visit to her Woodstock home. She said ‘it’s about time you came to see me.’ I said Rosie I’ve been asking about you she said, “asking and doing ain’t the same it’s like being thirsty with a teaspoon of water; don’t mean nothing if you don’t use it. That was my Rosie, a spry woman with a quick mind she kept me laughing as we watched {60 Minutes} together.

Rosie had lost her eyesight but she still enjoyed her favorite shows. We talked about President Obama, “the good olddays” when weplayed cards and Rosie would cheat, she would laugh and say “just want to see if you paying attention” and we talked about her birthday junkets to the casinos.

“Drink deeply. Live in serenity and joy.”Buddha

As twilight drifted into her bedroom, the last thing we talked about was Rosie turning 100. She said Val I’ll be 100 in next year and Lee is chartering a plane for all of us to go to Vegas.

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit for without being seen they are present with you” St. Francis de Sales

Rosie would ask her grandson Rod how long before she’d be 100 and he would patiently say a few months Rosie. Rosie died 13 months short of 100 but in living, thriving to reach 100 Rosie lived a purpose-driven life in her final days.

The sign in Rosie’s front yard read, “so long Rosie we’ll see you on the other side.” I say to Rosie: See you in Vegas.

“It’s lovely, when I forget all birthdays, including my own, to find that somebody remembers me.” Ellen Glasgow

The newest painting in ArtworkbyAmbre's gallery is a tribute by artist granddaughter Ambre Anderson to her grandfather Solomon Henson in honor of his 90th birthday.